90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
Join Chris Clarke as he explores the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.
90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
Join desert environmental journalist Chris Clarke as he explores the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile but vibrant ecosystems. Hear engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. And we take roadtrips!
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March 6, 2026
S5E7: The Battle for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Chris Clarke hosts a timely conversation with Dr. Jackie Grant, Executive Director of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, about the potential impacts of a new congressional effort to overturn the monument's management plan. The management plan's erosion could threaten Grand Staircase Escalante Nati…
Feb. 26, 2026
Brief hiatus due to house fire
Chris discusses an unexpected brief pause in regular programming due to a recent house fire.
Feb. 20, 2026
S5E6: Ravens and Splitgrass: A Deep Dive into the Mojave's Ecological Challenges
Desert biologist Tim Shields joins 90 Miles from Needles to discuss efforts to protect the Mojave Desert's tortoise population. Shields updates on using non-lethal lasers to deter ravens, major tortoise predators, and shares insights into the challenges posed by the invasive schismus grass. He reve…
Feb. 13, 2026
S5E5: From Nuclear Waste to Restoring Glen Canyon
Journalist Zak Podmore joins us to explore nuclear waste storage proposals in southeastern Utah, revealing concerns about the environmental and cultural impact on indigenous lands. Podmore discusses his book "Life After Dead Pool," detailing the transformation of Glen Canyon as Lake Powell diminish…
Feb. 6, 2026
S5E4: Celebrating 25 Years: The Timbisha Shoshone's Fight for Their Homeland
Celebrating a historic milestone for the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in Death Valley, this episode uncovers the journey from historical challenges to today's collaborations with the National Park Service.
Jan. 23, 2026
S5E3: How Honeybees Threaten The Desert's Native Pollinators
Mary O'Brien from Project 1100 joins us to discuss the often-overlooked impact of honeybee apiaries on public lands, highlighting the threat they pose to native bee species and their critical role in desert ecosystems. The episode explores the unique biodiversity of deserts, emphasizing the irrepla…
Jan. 16, 2026
S5E2: Cross-Border Conservation in the Big Bend Ecoregion
Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the inspiring vision of establishing a transboundary network of protected areas across the US-Mexico border with guest Rick LoBello, Education and Conservation Director at the El Paso Zoo. Chris and Rick discuss efforts to connect Big Bend National Park with ne…
Jan. 9, 2026
S5E1: Standing Up to Tech Giants: Desert Locals vs. California’s Largest Data Center
Joined by guest Gilberto Manzanarez from Valle Imperial Resiste, Chris explores the community's opposition to an AI data center due to potential environmental impacts, including noise pollution and increased water usage. Despite promises of economic growth, residents face uncertainty regarding prop…
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